by CourseAdvisor

An Occupational Therapist helps people with developmental, physical, or mental conditions to function better in their home and work environments. A few examples of the ways they do this are:

• Having hospitalized patients perform everyday tasks that they would do at home
• Teaching patients techniques for performing personal care and household tasks
• Collaborating with clients and employers to create successful work environments
• Identifying ways for children to fully participate in their classrooms
• Recommending adaptive equipment for the home and/or workplace

Some occupational therapists specialize by working with a particular client group such as the elderly.

An occupational therapist often works in hospitals, but they are also employed in healthcare offices, educational institutions, and nursing care facilities. Along with providing therapy, they are responsible for evaluating client programs, keeping patient records, and making reports to other healthcare providers.

As of 2007, the standard educational requirement for an occupational therapist is a master’s degree. To become an occupational therapist, you must complete an accredited educational program and pass a national certification test. Some states have additional requirements for occupational therapists who work in schools.

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Source
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor